A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring in a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor. Our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.
Pope Francis: “The Joy of the Gospel: God’s word teaches that our brothers and sisters are the prolongation of the incarnation for each of us. ‘As you did for one of these my brethren, you did to me.’ The way we treat others has a transcendent dimension. ‘The measure you give will be the measure you get.’ It corresponds to the mercy which God has shown us. ‘Be merciful just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge and you will not be judged, do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven; give and it will be given to you… For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.’ What these passages make clear is the absolute priority of ‘going forth from ourselves toward our brothers and sisters’ as one of the two great commandments which ground every moral norm and as the clearest sign for discerning spiritual growth in response to God’s completely free gift.”